What To Drink If You Don’t Like Coffee or Tea
With so many of us shunning coffee and tea in favor of other, healthier alternatives, it can be difficult to decide what to drink. Fortunately, there is an abundance of beverages out there that can quench your thirst and satisfy your cravings without having to resort to either coffee or tea.
Water is of course the most essential drink for day-to-day life, and advocates of the “8 glasses” approach often point to the countless health benefits accompanying an adequate water intake such as improved cognition, reduced fatigue and improved skin hydration.
For those who don’t particularly like the taste of plain water, juices provide a tasty alternative. By squeezing freshly picked fruits and vegetables into delicious, nutrient-dense concoctions, you can create a healthy, balanced drink with plenty of flavor.
If you’d rather not spend time squeezing and straining your own juices, store bought varieties almost always come in sealed, sanitary packaging with a long reliable shelf life.
For the days when a cold drink isn’t attractive, try a hot beverage like herbal tea.These drinks are made from spices and herbs such as ginger, chamomile, and peppermint, which can have tremendous health implications ranging from reduced inflammation to improved digestion.
In conditions of total cold beverage aversion, some hot beverages might do the trick. Latte, cappuccino, and macchiato-type drinks are usually made from dairy and contain less caffeine than either coffee or tea, so you don’t have to worry about excessive stimulation.
Last, but not least are shakes and smoothies, which are understood by some to be a more indulgent option. Whilst the significance of proper nutrition shouldn’t be undermined, even shakes and smoothies can be great sources of healthy nutrients when prepared with care and with healthier alternatives instead of a lot of sugary ingredients.
Nevertheless, if properly balanced drinks don’t appeal to you, there are still plenty of tasty options that don’t require a lot of effort. A wide variety of soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks are available on the market to suit all kinds of dietary needs.
Health Benefits of Alternatives to Coffee and Tea
Most of the drinks we’ve discussed so far come with a variety of potential health benefits, which shouldn’t be disregarded. Despite being healthier options, some of these drinks can even provide the same amount of caffeine as either coffee or tea, without the risks associated with caffeine misuse.
For example, kombucha, a fermented tea from the East, is said to be an effective probiotic with digestive benefits such as better nutrient absorption and improved immunity. Despite these potential health benefits, this drink still often contains caffeine, meaning it might not be suitable for those who are highly sensitive to the substance.
Fruits, some of which are used to create juices, are well known for their high nutrient content. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants make them useful weapons in the fight against aging and chronic diseases.
Herbal teas are also known to contain large amounts of antioxidants, many of which can provide anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Shakes and smoothies made from nutrient-rich fruits and veggies can provide a great opportunity to get a lot of vitamins and minerals in one drink. Furthermore, some smoothies can also be made with nut butters, oats and protein powders for an extra nutrient boost.
Risks and Myths Associated with Alternatives to Coffee and Tea
Despite being relatively healthy, certain drinks come with potential risks and consequences. Some nutritionists advise that certain shake ingredients, such as dairy and eggs, can be unhealthy if consumed too often.
Soft drinks, despite being relatively low in caffeine, should be avoided due to their high sugar and artificial flavorings content.
Sports drinks, despite often being advertised as “healthy”, consist mostly of mere electrolytes with little nutrients, so they shouldn’t be used as a daily beverage.
Although herbal teas are considered relatively healthy, some of them might be dangerous for certain individuals with certain conditions. For example, pregnant women should avoid some of these teas as they can potentially cause birth defects.
In certain cases, skipping coffee and tea in favor of other drinks might not make any difference, as for instance some of the alternative drinks still contain caffeine. So, even if you’re trying to avoid or reduce your coffee or tea consumption, you need to make sure that you’re still not taking in excessive amounts of the stimulant.
What to Consider Before Drinking Alternatives to Coffee and Tea
It is important to remember that any new drink, even if it’s considered healthy, can still be highly caloric and contain a lot of sugar and other potentially harmful ingredients. Before adding any new beverage to your diet, make sure to check the labels and calculate if it fits into your nutrition plan. Additionally, as with any other beverage, moderation is key—even when drinks are relatively healthy.
Also, some experts recommend that certain ingredients, such as caffeine and other stimulants, should be limited in the morning and after mid-afternoon to ensure adequate sleep.
Practical Tips for Choosing Alternatives to Coffee and Tea
It’s best to have some trial-and-error to figure out what kind of drink you like best. Experiment with making your own smoothies, combine different herbs and spices for herbal tea, or look online for some recipe ideas.
Additionally, investing in a good juicer might be worth considering if you’d like to make your own juice concoctions. Juicers are relatively affordable these days and could provide a great way to experiment with different flavors and ingredients.
If making or preparing any of your drinks is a hassle, don’t forget that there are still plenty of store-bought options. Heat-sealed packages and a variety of containers available on the market could make your drinks both tasty and portable.
Nutritional Considerations
Finally, when considering any of the alternatives to coffee and tea, it’s important to think about the nutritional value of the drinks. As the goal is to reduce the intake of caffeine and other stimulants, it’s best to focus on drinks with low calories, added sugars and preservatives. Additionally, make sure that the drink you’re choosing is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins are essential for the normal functioning of the body and can be found in a variety of natural and fortified foods. Furthermore, minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and iron can provide various benefits such as adequate oxygen transport, improved metabolic processes and strengthened bones.
Ways to Make Alternatives to Coffee and Tea Interesting
For those who struggle to find enjoyable alternatives to coffee and tea, there are a few ways to make them more interesting. For instance, various types of milks, such as almond or oat milk, can be used to substitute regular dairy milk in most types of drinks. You can also add breakfast staples such as oats or nut butters to make your shakes or smoothies more interesting and flavorful.
Experiment with different teas and herbal mixes to find what you like best. Additionally, select fruits and veggies that you find especially tasty and combine them with more nutrient-dense alternatives.
You can also opt for some of the more “adult-like” drinks such as Kombucha, a fermented tea from the East, which many people find to be surprisingly tasty. This beverage is fermented with a culture called “Kombucha SCOBY” and contains beneficial bacteria, yeast, and a variety of other compounds that can provide anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits.
Final Thoughts on Alternatives to Coffee and Tea
Finding enjoyable alternatives to coffee and tea isn’t as hard as it might seem. The key is to experiment and find out what suits your tastes and dietary needs. With so many potential drinks available on the market, it’s worth taking the time to explore them all and finding balance in your choice of beverages.
